Virtual Private Network (VPN)

 

What is a VPN?

VPN stand for Virtual Private Network. It is a private network which uses another network which is public (usually the internet) to connect multiple users. Users are able to connect to the private network from a public network without sacrificing security concerns.

 

How do VPN's work?

First the client, wanting to connect to the company's network, connects to the internet. After that, the client initiates a VPN connection with the company's server. Before the connection is made the endpoints must be authenticated. This can be accomplished through a number of means, including; passwords, biometrics, personal data, or any combination of them. Once the connection is made the client can securely access the company's network.

 

What are the benefits of a Virtual Private Network?

 A VPN can reduce a company's costs when it is compared to paying for a leased line or a remote access server. VPN's can save companies time and money by allowing telecommuting from distant locations, which would previously require travel.

Once connected through the VPN, one can access data on a private network anywhere and at any time. VPN's also reduce the maintenance costs of a server, as the server can be maintained from remote destinations. VPN's are also easily scalable, making it more attractive for companies which are looking to grow. 

What are the most important VPN features?

The most important factors to look for in a VPN are security, consistency, network management, and scalability. A good VPN will provide users with all of these features.

Can VPN's connect more than a single user?

VPN's can be used to not only connect individual users to a network but also to connect two networks. Using a VPN, a remote network can connect to a local network securely.

Are VPN networks only for big businesses?

Virtual private networks are a great solution for many businesses both large and small that want to enable remote users, or remote offices to connect with their local secured network.

 

VPN security is essential. If your VPN connection is not secure all information on your private network is at risk. In order to properly secure a VPN connection it is necessary to employ multiple security tactics, to authenticate those accessing the VPN and assure there are no unwanted intruders. VPN security tactics include; firewalls, encryption, IPSec and AAA servers.

Firewalls

A firewall is a filter which protects your private network. Firewalls are either software or hardware based and can work at different levels of the communication process. If you are interested in learning more about firewalls you can check our firewall section.

Encryption

Encryption is when data is encoded before it is sent from one computer to another and only that computer has the capacity to decode it.

IPSec

IPSec which stands for Internet Protocol Security enhances other security features. It is used to encrypt data between; two routers, a router to a PC, a PC to a server or a firewall to a router.

AAA Servers

AAA stands for Authentication, Authorization and Accounting. An AAA server checks the following information when a session is requested; who is sending the request, what they are authorized to do and what they are actually doing.

 

Mobile VPN's are integral to certain fields. For example, they allow for public safety and emergency services to access resources on their home network from anywhere; if a police officer needs to access a criminal database during a traffic stop, he can do so as he is connected to the database through a VPN. While certain sectors have been using mobile VPN services for quite some time, they are currently gaining popularity in more fields.

What is a mobile VPN?

A mobile virtual private network, otherwise known as mVPN, allows mobile devices to connect to a home network when connected through other public networks.

What makes a mobile VPN different from other VPN's?

When a VPN makes a connection it connects to a fixed endpoint. In the case of a mobile VPN, the endpoint is not fixed and it could be changing very frequently. The mobile VPN has to retain the connection while dealing with the logins to each new endpoint. The mVPN does so without interfering with the user's connection.

What services use a mobile VPN?

Some examples of services which use mobile virtual private networks are police departments, fire departments, first responders, in-home nurses, in-home therapists, physicians, sales representatives and repair technicians. These are only a few examples, there are many more services which use mVPN's and even more services are beginning incorporate them.